Living in the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood: 5 Things to Know

Lively, culture-rich, and economically-diverse, the St. Lawrence Market area is an urbanite’s dream. This downtown Toronto neighbourhood is known as much for the convenient, modern lifestyle it offers as it is for its colourful history and gorgeous heritage buildings. Living in the area means having easy access to the Financial District and Union Station. It means popping into the eateries and cafes along the esplanade, perusing the higher-end shops on King Street, and (of course) spending hours at the food market that acts as the neighbourhood’s central hub. It’s also one of the oldest areas in the city, which makes it a great place to scope out period buildings (the St. James Cathedral, a prime example of gothic revival architecture, is a must-see). Between its beautiful urban surroundings, easy accessibility, and world-class amenities, St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s truly great neighbourhoods.

If you’re thinking of moving to the St. Lawrence Market area, here are five things you should know…

1) You’ll be near one of the world’s best markets

No doubt about it, the St. Lawrence Market is the crowning jewel of the surrounding neighbourhood. Featuring 120 vendors and merchants, this bustling culinary hub was recently named the best food market in the world by National Geographic. The title is well deserved. While Toronto has long been considered a foodie paradise, you won’t find anywhere else in the city that offers such a wide variety of artisanal fare all in one place. On a personal note, there are few weekend activities I enjoy as much as heading down to the South Market building, grabbing a coffee, and perusing the food carts and shops. But if you’re around on a Saturday, it’s all about the farmer’s market (found in the North Market building).

2) It’s perfect for condo and loft dwellers

The St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood is one of the oldest and most central areas in Toronto. Residents here truly live at the heart of the city—and they embrace the convenience that goes along with it. The area boasts a perfect walk score and it’s brimming with wonderful amenities, making it ideal for those who prefer loft and condo living. Home buyers will find a vast selection of options available at various price points—from sleek new luxury buildings to converted lofts to older condos with character. If it’s more space that you’re after, you’ll be pleased to learn that the area boasts some of the city’s most generously-sized units.

3) Getting around is a breeze

I’ve already mentioned how easy it is for pedestrians to get around the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. Luckily for commuters, the area is also incredibly well served by transit. The 504 streetcar operates along King Street, and major bus routes run up and down Parliament and Sherbourne Streets. If you rely on the subway, you can also connect to the rest of the city via the Yonge-University line from either King Station or Union Station. The latter is a major transportation hub. It provides access not only to streetcar and subway lines, but to inter-city and commuter trains as well. Put simply: if you live in the St. Lawrence Market area, you’ll have no trouble getting from point a to point b.

4) It’s home to one of Toronto’s most unique event spaces

For my money, St. Lawrence Hall is one of the most beautiful venues in the city. Built in 1850, this gorgeous historic building has been the site of countless balls, receptions, and lectures. It’s even hosted speaking engagements by some of Canada’s most historically-significant politicians (including John A. Macdonald and Thomas D’arcy McGee). Step inside, and you’ll quickly discover why the building was such a draw. Fans of stunning architecture will appreciate its unique blend of Renaissance and Victorian design, complete with intricately-carved ornamentation. Today, the hall can be rented out for weddings and other special occasions.

5) It’s a great place for theatre lovers

Are you a fan of the performing arts? If so, you’ll be excited to learn that there’s a gem of a theatre complex just a few minutes away from the market. On Front Street, one block from Yonge, you’ll find the two auditoriums that make up the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. The centre is home to six resident companies, including the Canadian Stage Company and the Toronto Operetta Theatre. The productions they offer are diverse, so I recommend going online to check out what’s currently playing. Also worth noting: the centre offers comfortable seating and great customer service, so you’re bound to have a terrific experience!

Still looking for your perfect house or condo to buy in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood? You can check out recent listings in the neighbourhood here. If you have any questions about the area, feel free to get in touch!